Antoninianus of Probus, Cyzicus 276 - 282

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus coin of Probus from Cyzicus. Considering its age, it's incredibly well-preserved, isn’t it? What stories do you think this coin tells us about its time? Curator: Well, as a form of mass-produced imagery, coinage provides unique insight into imperial messaging. The very act of minting and distributing these coins speaks to the centralized power and administration of the Roman state. What do you notice about the imagery itself? Editor: I see a portrait. It looks like a ruler. Curator: Exactly! These portraits weren't just likenesses; they were carefully crafted to project an image of power and authority. Think about how this coin, circulated widely, would have visually reinforced Probus's rule. Editor: So, it's not just money, but also propaganda? Curator: Precisely. The imagery on this coin would have shaped perceptions of the emperor and the empire, impacting everything from trade to political stability. Editor: I never thought about it that way. That's fascinating! Curator: And it’s a reminder that art, even in such everyday forms, is deeply entwined with power and social control.